A few days ago, I put up a little piece about a new study,
published by the Journal of Wine Economics, that purports to show liberals
drink more than conservatives.

Not surprisingly, it led to a lively
discussion in the comments on everything from the failure of political labels
to the study's validity.

I'm not here to settle any of those
arguments, but a look through the comments is a study itself on the connection
between drinking and politics. Here are some highlights:

Commenter
s123man questioned the source: "Published in the Wine Journal. They are
probably trying to convince liberal wine drinkers it is OK to be a wine lush
because all the other cool kids are doing it."

SuperStraightGuy
questioned the conclusions, and our decision to publish them: "In no way does
this research prove anything other than that states that are considered liberal
consume more alcohol than states that are considered conservative. It does not
prove that individual conservatives drink less than individual liberals.
Drawing that conclusion from this research is absurd. I swear, this may be the
dumbest article I have ever read in the Oregonian."

2old
took issue with political labels in general: "But who is liberal, and who is
conservative? Both sides scorn me, because I am liberal on some issue, and
conservative on others. Maybe I am liberal since I like cheap beer, yuppie beer
and great (but semi-affordable) Scotch.

Finally,
there was this exchange:

"That's why liberals are friendlier, happier
people. Go back to church conservatives," wrote ppsvet.

I'll
drink to that!!" replied Jaybay. "As soon as I get my pastor away from the
beer."

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